Monthly Archives: September 2013

Community invited to fundraiser for HCFR paramedic with painful condition

Posted: Sep 23, 2013 4:31 PM EDTUpdated: Sep 24, 2013 7:59 AM EDT

By WMBF News Staff

HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – Local firefighters and paramedics are banding together to raise money for one of their own, a firefighter who is afflicted with a painful and debilitating condition.

Joe Coons has spent the last 12 years saving lives and helping others as a paramedic with Horry County Fire Rescue, according to Andy Brown with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department. Coons has been diagnosed with Parsonage Turner Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, debilitating conditions that have left him unable to work and with mind-numbing pain.

He spent two weeks in the hospital in July, and now he’s stuck at home while doctors say his prognosis is on the hinge, Brown says. His condition could get better, or the pain could spread.

Coons is a father of five and “is probably the best paramedic I’ve ever worked with,” Brown says.

On Tuesday night, his friends and colleagues from Horry County Fire Rescue and Myrtle Beach Fire Department are holding a fundraiser event to help the Coons family with their growing pile of medical bills.

The community is invited to a fundraiser dinner at Ron Jons Beer and Burgers Restaurant in Myrtle Beach from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s $7 for adults, and $5 for kids. There will also be to-go boxes available and a silent auction.